The emails also alleged that Mercedes showed a preference for George Russell due to Hamilton’s rumored transfer to Ferrari in the upcoming year.
Mercedes has enlisted the help of private investigators to determine the source of the emails accusing them of undermining Lewis Hamilton, according to a report by Crash.net.
Following the investigation by the Northamptonshire Police, which yielded no evidence of criminal activity in relation to the anonymous emails, the Formula 1 team has decided to proceed with private investigators.
Toto Wolff expressed his anger over the leaked messages, which suggested that Mercedes was compromising Hamilton’s season and putting him at risk, supposedly from someone within the team.
The emails also asserted that Mercedes was favoring George Russell due to rumors of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year.
Wolff clarified that the emails did not originate from a Mercedes employee, and criticized the sender as a “conspiracy theorist” and a “lunatic.”
He added, “It is particularly distressing when we receive these types of emails, and we receive a multitude of them, especially when they discuss topics like death.”
During his time in Barcelona last week, Wolff emphasized his determination to address the issue.
“I have instructed the police to fully investigate this matter, to trace the IP address and phone number, because this type of online abuse needs to stop,” he said.
“People cannot hide behind their phones or computers and subject teams or drivers to this kind of mistreatment.”
The Northamptonshire Police confirmed, “On June 12, the Northamptonshire Police received a report regarding an email that had been circulated within the Mercedes AMG F1 team.
No criminal activity was found to have taken place. However, advice was given regarding any future emails that the team may receive.”
Hamilton also defended Russell against online abuse, unaware of any negativity directed towards his teammate.
“George has consistently given his best effort every weekend and has delivered for the team, so he cannot be faulted,” Hamilton stated.
“Of course, there are always areas for improvement within a team, and that comes through conversations and communication, which we are constantly working on.”
Before the race in Barcelona, Hamilton had only outperformed Russell in qualifying once out of nine attempts this season.
He had previously stated that he did not expect to outqualify his teammate this season.
Wolff commented on the competition between his drivers, saying, “I believe he has always been motivated.
“The margins are so small.
“It can go one way or the other. I am pleased that it went well for him [on Saturday].”